Judge Merrick Garland, President Joe Biden’s nominee to be attorney general, used the start of his appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee to reiterate his commitment to an independent Justice Department after the Trump DOJ faced criticism over perceived politicization.

Garland told senators Monday that the prosecutions tied to the Capitol riots Jan. 6 are his “first priority.” In response to questioning from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island, Garland indicated no one would be clear from prosecution in relation to the riots. Neither her nor Whitehouse explicitly named former President Donald Trump as belonging in that group, but the exchange hinted at his inclusion.